Man convicted of second-degree murder granted parole

After spending 17 years in jail for killing his two children a local man has been granted full parole.

In June 1999, Thomas Dewald was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. According to court records, Dewald admitted to drowning his children ages 10 and 12 by holding their heads underwater.

The court heard Dewald was suffering from depression after the death of his wife. He was not taking his medication, was experiencing financial difficulties and was attempting to reconcile with an ex-girlfriend.

After 17 years, 56-year-old Dewald was granted full parole with a number of conditions. He must report any intimate relationships with females to his parole officer, he must follow psychological counsel and provide financial documents to his parole officer.